Pensions Audit Intern Review

I really enjoyed my placement. I got on really well with the people and I enjoyed learning about basic accounting. The socials were good too.

My colleagues were really friendly and were always there to help me if I had any problems. We often went out after work to socialise. I was also asked to join the office cricket team which was really good fun.

I could speak to anyone if I had any issue at all but more formally I had a counsellor within the office that I had to report to three times throughout my placement. These meetings were designed to discuss my targets as well as any problems that I may have had. I also had a meeting with one of the internship co-ordinators who was based in Birmingham, they had a day in our office (Reading) asking all the interns about their experience and checking that we were meeting our goals.

I was always working chargeable hours for a client during my internship. There were extra projects available for those who found themselves with down time but as my department (Pensions Audit) were in their busy season, this was never the case for me.

Over the 8 weeks of my placement my responsibilities grew as I learnt more. With growing skills on the computer system and increasing knowledge with basic accounting I was given more and more work with increasing difficulty.

Although I do not do any accounting within my degree I learnt a great deal about the skills I am going to need when I go back next year. Aside from accounting, I had to do a lot of team based tasks including leading a project with 6 other interns, this was really useful as I learnt basic project management skills.

The office was a really good place to work. I got on with everyone within my department who all seemed really happy to help me. The atmosphere was very relaxed, there were always jokes going round the office and general chat which helped me fit in well.

The internship was very well organised. With a whole week dedicated to induction, all interns were able to meet each other and make friends before we went to our individual offices. There were absolutely no issues with any part of the organisation for my internship/

I had a whole week of basic induction into the company to learn their values and roles, this took place in Birmingham and meant that we had a very good opportunity to meet the other interns. As well as this there was a whole day dedicated to specific training within the office for my department which came in very useful when dealing with clients later on in the internship

I was lucky enough to be given an offer at the end of the placement which I happily accepted.

As already mentioned there was a great social scene amongst the other interns, we went out in Birmingham a few times during the induction week as well as having many socials whilst in the office in Reading.

I was lucky enough to be able to live at home during the placement so there was very little cost in the way of travel. The office all went to buy lunch every day which did turn out quite expensive overall but it was good fun to do so.

Reading night life isn't the best but it is still good enough for a decent night out once a week or so.

I was lucky enough to be asked to play for the office cricket team on Wednesday evenings which was really good fun. There was also an office day out to Thorpe Park and an end of internship ball which was amazing.